2024 Women in Construction: Alexis Smith Hamdan, McCormack Suny LLC

 

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? I was involved in a precedent setting decision wherein I helped defeat a $125 million whistleblower case against my client, a ready-mix producer. While I have handled many other construction related cases, this case was special because during this years’ long battle, I got to know great people in the ready-mix industry. I was thrilled to help a multi-generational 100-year-old business continue doing what they do best – manufacturing and supplying ready-mix. The court drew on the wide range of published decisions under the Federal False Claims Act, with broad implications for the national construction industry.

What has been the driving force behind your success in the AEC industry? My driving force is my desire to advise clients at times in their professional lives that are difficult. My clients did not go into business to deal with attorneys, but it is part of doing business in our litigious society. I try to make it as seamless as possible. My years of experience handling extremely complex cases has enabled me to look at litigation from a different lens and implement unique strategies for resolution. I also ensure that systems or practices are put into place that avoid disputes in the future.